COMPARISON OF OFFSHORE PATROL VESSELS.

This is a comparative naval architecture analysis of Royal Navy, Norwegian and Indian Coast Guard vessels. Standard design statistical and estimating techniques were used to identify and compare the principal factors which influence the design of the offshore patrol vessels (OPV's) studied. The investigation covers design requirements, ship characteristics, hull form, speed and propulsion, habitability, arrangements, stability, and seakeeping. The analysis of the designs leads to the conclusion that offshore patrol vessels are ships with limited but well-defined missions. This results in designs which are simple and functional in order to emphasize basic performance for a set monetary investment.